by Laura Hinds

Created on: April 30, 2009

Although many hotels are touted as pet friendly, in many instances this friendliness is only applicable to dogs. Many a cat owner has been surprised and shocked to find out that their feline companion is not welcome. There is suddenly No Room At The Inn for you and your cat. It is very important to always ascertain the hotel management's policy when it comes to pets of any time. Remember too, that you will probably be asked to pay a deposit in case of damage.

The reasons some hotels deny accommodations to a cat and his or her person vary, but most are actually quite understandable.

One of the first reasons usually given is that other guests in nearby rooms may suffer from allergies. The hotel, if it had not informed all of its visitors that there would be a cat on the premises could be held liable if someone became seriously ill. The liability insurance costs for the hotel would be much higher as a result of illness caused by a visiting cat.

Another explanation offered is that some cats are likely to scratch furniture. Sure, you may pay a deposit, but would it be enough if expensive furniture or drapes were ruined? Do you, the paying guest, want to absorb that cost?

Also, housekeeping doesn't usually include the cleaning of litter boxes and litter that may be strewn about. A responsible owner would take care of these themselves, but the hotel has no guarantee that you are a responsible owner. Anyone can sign a paper stating that they will clean up after their cat, but there are times when people are negligent resulting in a mess and perhaps even odor.

On that note, odor is an issue unto itself. Cat urine is notoriously offensive in its aroma. The ammonia stench is very strong and hard to remove. This too, could cause permanent damage to furniture, carpeting or even walls. Many cats do become nervous during travel and spray as a result of stress.

A final thought on the subject is that if a cat is not confined to a carrier it may easily escape the room. Housekeeping may come in and not even see your cat run out of the room where it could become lost and disoriented, or even hit by a car. Again, the hotel doesn't want the responsibility and liability.

Finding a hotel that is specifically cat friendly is the right thing to do, for both you, and for your cat. Perhaps you could even find one that bucks the system, and is pet friendly, but only to cats!

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